Unveiling the Heterogeneity of Serum Copper Ion in Neurodegenerative Disease via Dopamine-Based Carbon Nanoprobe

Copper plays essential role in human life, as it participates in several physiological processes, such as antioxidant defense, keeping blood vessels integrity, and neurotransmitter synthesis. In the nervous system in particular, copper is essential for neuronal function. Research has shown that alterations in copper levels, either excess or deficiency, may cause neurodegeneration, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Wilson’s disease, and others. Thus, careful tracking of the levels of copper in serum is important for preventing neurodegeneration. This study reports a new CD-based fluorescence turn-on copper (II) probe with exceptional selectivity, high sensitivity, and considerable enhancement of emission intensity. As a result of these attractive sensing properties, copper ion in serum of patients with neurodegenerative diseases were monitored.